Real time wage increases.. New contract sucks

[Captain America]

I know you are not in management or you would know that since the company went public the compensation package isn't near what it used to be, the only way management ever made money was through the stock, since it went public 8 years ago it has done nothing, I am waiting for the announcement that the retirement age is raised for us, sure we will hear it by the end of next year. I had a friend that had been with UPS for 10 years, quit a few weeks ago for a better paying job with less hours and day hours at that, UPS tried to combat this by hiring management trainees out of college, this is failing misserably as they won't do our jobs for our pay, they quit and go somewhere else for more money, this is because UPS is slowly falling in rank with respect to management pay but as far as I know we still pay the top wages for drivers. My point is management started getting less a few years ago, it had to spread to everyone else sooner or later.

Maybe they need to form a union? I thought they were there for the enjoyment of the manipulating, lying and general power tripping on those under them. At least that has been my experience, we have the same losers that we had when I started 20 years ago. They occasionally rotate in a new guy or bring back a blast from the past, but we could get by with less than 1/2 the supervison/management we have.

 

[Liberty Bear]

I agree with the original poster; this pay raise schedule reeks. It looks like something written up by a corporate attorney. As someone pointed out in another thread (maybe on another forum), it looks like they want to give us half our pay raise just before peak season, just to make sure we don't earn too much.

A lot of people are claiming that a survey indicated UPS members consider the pension and/or medical benefits more important than salary. As a relatively new employee, I have to assume there was such a survey and that the Teamsters aren't misrepresenting the results. Call me a skeptic.

But I think my salary is more important even than medical benefits and pensions. After all, I'd like to keep a roof over my head, and I was barely making it as a new hire. Now that I have enough seniority to double shift, I'm going to get a little bit ahead during this peak season. But rents are skyrocketing where I live; some landlords are doubling rent. So excuse me if I don't do cartwheels over a magnificent 70 cent pay raise on top of my equally majestic salary.

On another note, a union rep dropped in one day and asked if we had any questions about the contract. I said, yes, I didn't understand the split pay raise. So he explained it to me, but he qualified his answer with "...if I understand it correctly" - twice.

So how are we supposed to understand this contract if our union reps don't even understand it?

That said, let me pose a question here. I've worked for UPS for 13 months now and was expecting a 50 cent pay raise in another 11 months. Under the new contract, I'll instead get a 35 cent pay raise in August, with another 35 cents in February, right?

Will I get another 25 cents (or whatever) on top of that, as my union rep suggested? If so, when?

If I do get another 25 cents - in August - then that's the equivalent of about 60 cents (35 + 25) just in time for peak season; still more of a joke than a pay raise. If I get the additional 25 cents AFTER peak season, then I'm really not getting a pay raise at all, am I?

 

[Brown Dog]

pkg king, before you start spouting off about, dumb trk drivers and greedy maybe you should understand where we've come from and where we're headed. If you want to vote yes, I'l respect your vote and encourage you to do so. But if you want to look closer at this contract and see where yours and mine rights are being diminished,I'll be happy to show you. I don't give a da** about the measely pay raise. I don't like that 8hr req are being diminshed, I don't like that to avoid constant over 9,5s we have to sign up for a 5 month period, I don't like that our pension will be worth almost 50% less at the end of this contract because of inflation the last 11 years, I don't like that retirees cost of healthcare could go up 200% and there's nothing our 4 BILLION dollar a year in profit company can do for the workers that have helped to achieve that. If you don't think you deserve any improvements(not just money) to your health , welfare, and working conditions, that's your opinion. Mine is- we deserve a more fair contract reflective of the huge success of UPS that is in no small part because of us

 

[brownrecluse]

I am a newbie - seasonal package car driver (w/cdl) with UPS career driver aspirations. I just finished Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS and I must admit to being extremely proud to be hired - even seasonal -by such a great company (according to the book) with seemingly very coveted/sought after driving jobs. However, reading some of the posts on this thread makes me wonder... who's right/who's wrong? Is the book propaganda? What am I missing here?

I am (was) a well-paid State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser in MI - which is in the throes of a horrible economy, extremely high unemployment, a stagnant real estate market (thus my career change), and state taxes that just went up.

For the past 12 months I have been working as a Service Advisor for a major auto dealer (dealers a gazillionaire) in southeastern MI. I know most of you don't realize this - I sure didn't - but a service advisor position within an auto dealership is considered among the 10 most stressful jobs in America. I didn't believe it either... but then I lived it for the past 12 months. A commissioned (no salary whatsoever) sales job in a horrible economy, on the front lines of a car dealership selling $50,000 vehicles to rich folks who hate the car, or hate the manufacturer, or hate the dealer - on you for not fixing their vehicle (with 22 computers on it) right the first time. Management on you for not selling their overpriced - BS maintenance services to people that don't need them. Mechanics on you for playing favorites due to not giving them the 4 hour gravy brake job that you just gave to another. Wife on you because after a 60+ hour week (which keeps you coming home in a perpetual state of unhappiness) your paycheck is just $275 - $375 after taxes... I didn't like it. I got out... I too felt like the millionaire dealer owed me more... but quickly realized that no - in fact he doesn't... that's the job - take it or leave it...

Thank you for the indulgance... My point is this, and my intention is not to be condescending... Business 101 - Corporations are not in business to employ people. Corporations are in business to make a profit. Some make more than others, and some are better at spreading the wealth. UPS seems to have a proven track record at being very good at spreading the wealth.

I have no UPS experience, nor do I have any union experience - although I recently filled out my Teamsters application. I do have 26 years of employment history, however. I've had good jobs with poor wages, and poor jobs with terrific wages, and everything in between.

I'm just happy to have a job my friends - seasonal or not.

 

[Liberty Bear]

We made it clear that health/welfare and pension were more important than wages on the next contract. Our wage increases during the next contract are more than fair.

Yes, I keep hearing that Teamsters made their priorities clear. Since I wasn't working for UPS whenever that happened, I can only assume there was an honest vote or suvey and that the Teamsters are honestly reporting the results. (You know what they say: Figures don't lie, but liars do figure.)

However, there is one thing that I consider far more important than either medical benefits or pensions: Keeping a roof over my head. When I first started working for UPS, I was barely making enough to pay rent. I'm doing much better now that I'm double shifting, but I'm still not out of the woods - and my rent is relatively low in the area where I live.

I want a decent salary AND medical benefits more than I want promises about some pension I may never see.

 

[Liberty Bear]

Dont talk to me about PART TIME, I was part time for 9YEARS, I was smart enough to realize I couldnt afford to start a family or go out on my own, or get married. and at that time there was no 22.3 jobs just friggin Part Time work. . . . I payed my dues for 9 years and I finally got to go pkg drving, so dont tell me about sacrifice . . . I cant help if I busted my butt for 9 years so I could get to where I am today, heck you where probably in diapers when I was working part time. This is the problem of America today everybody wants somebody else to take care of them,no accountabilty for themselves, they want hand outs from the goverment, did you ever thing to use the tuition reimbursment program to help put you thru college to Better yourself?? Why arent you asking for money from the other 2 jobs yur are working? Why are you working 3 jobs?? . . . Like I said you are un realistic to think that a part time job could support a marriage or family.

Sheez, rant much?

 

[Liberty Bear]

OK, I've heard enough of your whining. . . . Try a factory, a retail store or some other type of non-skilled employment. Look at their wage increases and medical benefits. In fact, work a few of those jobs then come back and let us know how fair life really is.

I'll tell you just like I tell the whiners at work: Shut up, do your job or go home and sit on the porch.

Sounds like a right-winger saying "If you don't like America, move to China!"

Only problem is, if all the "whiners" leave UPS, who will be left to reform it???

 

[Liberty Bear]

Don't forget that they took away their paid holidays during 1st year too, and that comes after they took away paid sick days in this contract for their 1st 3 years.

New hires will get no paid sick days for THREE YEARS?!! I missed that; I thought it was just one year, which is bad enough. I got the flu last year but couldn't afford to stay home; I had to pay rent. So I worked while I was sick for about a week until I was too ill to work and had no choice but stay home.

Are we headed back to slavery or what? Kinda makes me nostalgic for the socialist revolution of the early 20th century.

 

[Liberty Bear]

You guys are amazingly greedy....The compensation I/we recieve to deliver packages is comparable to a person with a masters degree in his or her profession.

WHAT profession are you referring to? People with masters degrees in philosophy aren't necessarily well paid. In our wonderful new economy, there are probably lots of people with masters degrees working for McDonalds - or UPS.

 

[gandydancer]

We made it clear that health/welfare and pension were more important than wages on the next contract. Our wage increases during the next contract are more than fair.

Screwing the new hires out of their health benefits costs MY health plan money, and I'm not in CS, so WHAT am I getting in return for sub-inflation wage increases?

 

[local373]

You should review your gramtical errors, I am not a lazy person, but I completely disagree with you. Our forefathers fought for this country to become free from England's crap. Now you think that you are better than a whole contry and you shouldn't ever have to sacrifice for anyone, ever. You are exactly the reason that pieces of crap contracts, like this, pass. Just so you know, I am Full time, I do drive feeders; however, I feel that we have a responsibility to protect our younger members.

 

[hunchback]

I am a newbie - seasonal package car driver (w/cdl) with UPS career driver aspirations. I just finished Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS and I must admit to being extremely proud to be hired - even seasonal -by such a great company (according to the book) with seemingly very coveted/sought after driving jobs. However, reading some of the posts on this thread makes me wonder... who's right/who's wrong? Is the book propaganda? What am I missing here?

I am (was) a well-paid State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser in MI - which is in the throes of a horrible economy, extremely high unemployment, a stagnant real estate market (thus my career change), and state taxes that just went up.

For the past 12 months I have been working as a Service Advisor for a major auto dealer (dealers a gazillionaire) in southeastern MI. I know most of you don't realize this - I sure didn't - but a service advisor position within an auto dealership is considered among the 10 most stressful jobs in America. I didn't believe it either... but then I lived it for the past 12 months. A commissioned (no salary whatsoever) sales job in a horrible economy, on the front lines of a car dealership selling $50,000 vehicles to rich folks who hate the car, or hate the manufacturer, or hate the dealer - on you for not fixing their vehicle (with 22 computers on it) right the first time. Management on you for not selling their overpriced - BS maintenance services to people that don't need them. Mechanics on you for playing favorites due to not giving them the 4 hour gravy brake job that you just gave to another. Wife on you because after a 60+ hour week (which keeps you coming home in a perpetual state of unhappiness) your paycheck is just $275 - $375 after taxes... I didn't like it. I got out... I too felt like the millionaire dealer owed me more... but quickly realized that no - in fact he doesn't... that's the job - take it or leave it...

Thank you for the indulgance... My point is this, and my intention is not to be condescending... Business 101 - Corporations are not in business to employ people. Corporations are in business to make a profit. Some make more than others, and some are better at spreading the wealth. UPS seems to have a proven track record at being very good at spreading the wealth.

I have no UPS experience, nor do I have any union experience - although I recently filled out my Teamsters application. I do have 26 years of employment history, however. I've had good jobs with poor wages, and poor jobs with terrific wages, and everything in between.

I'm just happy to have a job my friends - seasonal or not.

Interesting story seasonal hire but don't get your hopes up too high. Come Dec. 26th you will be looking for a paycheck somewhere else. And if you have 26 years of employment experience then you must be in your low 40s. Tough age to start this job. I started at around 30 and I am feeling my age after 20 years of service.

As far as your intro business lesson, please spare me. I know you disclaimered it but most of us know what the deal is. I graduated with a 4 year degree in business admin. so I took a few of your 101 courses as well as some advanced mgmt. and hoped to be a necktie with this "great company". After seeing what they were doing to junior operational managers and what they expected the juniors to do to hourlies, I changed my goals. Shame on me for not running away when I had the chance. What impressed me was that when I started we had a strong union who could effectively bargain for a decent compensation and work rule package in return for my hard work. As the years went on, I found my bid runs becoming more tolerable, so I have labored on with the carrot of a pension and health benefits dangling in front of me. I'm getting closer and hope that my body holds up long enough.

I am happy for you that you have been hired and good luck. Don't hit anything and don't hurt yourself. But if you do get hired on beyond your seasonal gig, put everything you make into a 401k, but leave out enough for plenty of anal lube cuz you are gonna need it.

 

[Damok]

Yes, I keep hearing that Teamsters made their priorities clear. Since I wasn't working for UPS whenever that happened, I can only assume there was an honest vote or suvey and that the Teamsters are honestly reporting the results. (You know what they say: Figures don't lie, but liars do figure.)

However, there is one thing that I consider far more important than either medical benefits or pensions: Keeping a roof over my head. When I first started working for UPS, I was barely making enough to pay rent. I'm doing much better now that I'm double shifting, but I'm still not out of the woods - and my rent is relatively low in the area where I live.

I want a decent salary AND medical benefits more than I want promises about some pension I may never see.

A lot more people wanted pensions to be addressed as a top issue than not. I would have imagined you would be supporting the wishes of the majority and try to help them in that regard. I certainly understand the desire for higher pay but pensions along with health and welfare benefits are too important to brush to the side. Making snide comments about fixed surveys adds nothing constructive to the discussion.

 

[sawdusttv]

Yes, I keep hearing that Teamsters made their priorities clear. Since I wasn't working for UPS whenever that happened, I can only assume there was an honest vote or suvey and that the Teamsters are honestly reporting the results. (You know what they say: Figures don't lie, but liars do figure.)

However, there is one thing that I consider far more important than either medical benefits or pensions: Keeping a roof over my head. When I first started working for UPS, I was barely making enough to pay rent. I'm doing much better now that I'm double shifting, but I'm still not out of the woods - and my rent is relatively low in the area where I live.

I want a decent salary AND medical benefits more than I want promises about some pension I may never see.

Well BEAR,
Maybe you are on to something there.
Maybe we could have them renegotiate and for all of you that think that way, we could have them give you .50 cent more an hour and do away with your pension and put that money into the pensions of those who do care about our retirement.
What do you think folks? Good idea???

 

[Damok]

Well BEAR,
Maybe you are on to something there.
Maybe we could have them renegotiate and for all of you that think that way, we could have them give you .50 cent more an hour and do away with your pension and put that money into the pensions of those who do care about our retirement.
What do you think folks? Good idea???

/signed Where does the line start?